CNSC Announces Decision on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the Proposed Replacement of Rio Algom Ltd.’s Stanleigh Effluent Treatment Plant

06-08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2006

Following a hearing held on March 30, 2006, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its approval of guidelines for an environmental assessment of Rio Algom Ltd.’s proposal to replace the existing water treatment plant at the decommissioned Stanleigh mine located near the City of Elliot Lake, Ontario.

The environmental assessment is required pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. In accordance with the approved Environmental Assessment Guidelines (EA Guidelines), CNSC staff will prepare an Environmental Assessment Screening Report (Screening Report) for the Commission’s consideration at a future hearing.

The Commission decided that it will not, at this time, refer the project to the federal Minister of the Environment for referral to a mediator or review panel. Furthermore, at this time, the Commission is satisfied that the Commission’s consideration of the completed Screening Report will not require a public hearing of the Commission.

If the Commission concludes from the Screening Report that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the appropriate mitigation measures, the Commission may proceed with a consideration of the related licence application.

A Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision of the hearing is available on the CNSC Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

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Contact:
Pascale Bourassa
Commission Secretariat
(613) 947-0247
1-800-668-5284